Recent research indicated about 80 per cent of Waikato people intended to vote in this year’s regional council elections but, with just over a week to Election Day 12 October, figures indicate actions so far are falling well short of intentions.

To help voters ensure they get their vote in, the regional council is supporting a Hamilton election event next week being organised by a group of Hamilton students. And, for those who can’t make it to the event, post office boxes can be found at this link: http://bit.ly/GzFZeB

The regional council does not itself collect statistics on the numbers who have sent in their regional council postal votes. That’s because regional council voting processes are part of papers sent out to electors via city and district councils.

However, according to available website information on 2 October, the highest percentage of returns out of total eligible voters for the city and district councils was 17.9 per cent for Hauraki District Council.

“That means there are still plenty of people around the region who have yet to vote,” said regional council electoral officer Maureen Poole.

“We encourage people to have their say.”

The event being supported by the regional council and Hamilton City is in Garden Place, Hamilton, from 3pm to 6pm next Friday 11 October. It will involve live music and market stalls featuring food, coffee and crafts. Facilities will be available to drop in voting papers.

A total of 38people are contesting seats in the six general and two new Maori constituencies in this year’s Waikato Regional Council elections. Voting papers must be sent back by midday on Election Day 12 October 2013. People wanting more information about the elections can contact Waikato Regional Council on freephone 0800 800 401 or go to www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/elections.